One of Miami’s best clubs, Heart Nightclub, has been abruptly shut down because of what it says is an attack by “new condo developers, residents and the City of Miami.” They attribute it to noise complaints by neighbors and the city who wanted to see the club gone.
Heart chief financial officer Michael Slyder wrote in a statement outlining their struggle to keep the club open for the past year.
“During this past year, the clubs in our 24-hour entertainment district have been constantly attacked by new condo developers, residents and the City of Miami. We have fought a good fight and spent a great deal of money on lawyers but now it’s time for us to throw in the towel. It is quite obvious that our neighbors don’t want to compromise to resolve the issue, that real estate agents and developers want clubs closed as they think by doing so property values will increase, and that the City is less interested in protecting nightlife and its businesses than in the past,” Slyder wrote in a statement.
He says that the club is not certain whether or not they will open at another location or if this is the last fans will see of Heart Nightclub.
“We at Heart will be taking the time that we are closed to rest and decide whether to launch somewhere else or just stay at rest. We thank you for your support and the amazing events and experiences that you have helped us create during the past three years.”
According to the Miami New Times, Heart filed a lawsuit last year against the City of Miami claiming that the city was conspiring to shut the club down and others around it like E11even and the iconic Space.
Heart is a relatively new club in the clubbing district on NE 11st Street. It opened in 2015 and has been a favorite of many, hosting names like Butch, Carl Craig, Steve Lawler, Roger Sanchez, John Digweed and a 25-hour set from Joseph Capriati. Just when it seems as though some cities are trying to keep music venues open, we are reminded how the NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitude can close down so many venues around the world and harm its cultural footprint.
